Auxiliary cargo storage bin

ABSTRACT

A vehicle auxiliary storage compartment comprising a floor, a back wall that extends upward from the floor, and a front wall that extends upward from floor opposite the back wall, and a pair of opposing sidewalls disposed at opposing ends of the front wall and the back wall. The front wall is defined by a back side of a seating structure of a vehicle in which the auxiliary storage compartment is disposed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/975,551 filed on May 9, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/973,926 filed on December 18, 2015. Thedisclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to utility vehicles and more particularlyto an auxiliary storage compartment disposed between the cargo bed andpassenger compartment of such vehicles.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Most lightweight vehicles that are not designated for use on roadways,e.g., maintenance vehicles, cargo vehicles, shuttle vehicles, golf cars,all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, utility task vehicles,recreational off highway vehicles, worksite vehicles, buggies, or otherlightweight vehicles, typically provide a passenger compartment havingone or more small article storage bins, wells and/or pockets located inand/or around the dash structure for holding or storing various userarticles such as cell phones, sunglasses, hats, gloves, food, drinks,small hand tools, etc. However, due to their typically smaller size,users often find it infeasible to stow personal gear such as backpacks,duffle bags, sleeping bags, smaller or more fragile camping equipment,rifles, handguns, bows, etc., in the small article storage bins, wellsand/or pockets provided in the dash structure.

Additionally, such vehicles often include a cargo bed disposed on a rearportion of the chassis that serves as a generic area for haulingequipment such as shovels, wheelbarrows, lawn mowers and other motorizedequipment, and various payloads such as gravel, rock, soil, debris,garbage, wood, etc. Generally, such cargo beds are not covered and areexposed to the environmental elements such as sun, rain, sleet, snow,etc. Due to the large size, general dirtiness and exposure toenvironmental elements of such cargo beds, users often find itundesirable to stow personal gear the cargo beds of vehicles.Particularly, when stowed in the cargo bed, such personal items areexposed to the environmental elements where they can get dirty, wet, toohot, etc., and often such personal items must be tied or held down toprevent them from moving around in the bed during operation of thevehicle.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides an auxiliary storage compartment for avehicle, wherein, in various embodiments, the auxiliary storagecompartment includes a front wall, a pair of opposing sidewalls and aback wall that is disposed laterally between the sidewalls. Theauxiliary storage compartment additionally includes a floor disposedbetween the front wall and the back wall. In various embodiments, atleast one of the sidewalls comprises an access door movable between anOpen position, wherein access to the auxiliary storage compartment isprovided via the open access door, and a Closed position, wherein theclosed access door defines the respective sidewall.

The present disclosure also provides a vehicle, wherein the vehicleincludes a chassis, a plurality of wheels rotationally connected to thechassis, and a drivetrain operatively connected to at least one of thewheels. The vehicle additionally includes a prime mover (e.g., anelectric motor and/or an internal combustion engine) mounted to thechassis that is/are operatively connected to the drivetrain to providemotive force, via the drivetrain, to the at least one of the wheels. Thevehicle further includes a cargo bed mounted to the chassis for holdingtools, equipment, payloads, etc., and a passenger compartment or cabinmounted to the chassis, wherein the passenger compartment includes adash structure, a floorboard, and a passenger seating structure that cancomprise a bench seat, a pair of side-by-side seats, or any othersuitable passenger seating structure. In various embodiments, thevehicle includes an auxiliary storage compartment disposed between thepassenger compartment and the cargo bed, wherein the auxiliary storagecompartment comprises a floor, a front wall, a back wall, and a pair ofopposing sidewalls disposed between the front wall and the back wall. Insome embodiments, the vehicle further includes a roll over protectionstructure connected to the chassis and disposed over the passengercompartment and the auxiliary storage compartment, and a roof connectedto the roll over protection structure. In various implementations, theroof can be sized to be disposed over the passenger compartment and theauxiliary storage compartment such that both the passenger cabin and theauxiliary storage compartment are protected from environmental elements,such as rain, snow, sleet, etc.

This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some exampleembodiments of the present disclosure so as to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the teachings herein. Accordingly, itwill be appreciated that the above described example embodiments aremerely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope orspirit of the disclosure in any way.

Other embodiments, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the described embodiments. It should be understood thatthe description and specific examples are intended for purposes ofillustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the presentteachings.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle including a passenger compartment, acargo bed, and an auxiliary storage compartment disposed between thepassenger compartment and the cargo bed, in accordance with variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 having a driver'sside door removed to illustrate an interior of the passengercompartment, in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1, wherein the cargobed is a dump or lift bed operable to have a forward portion lifted inorder to dump or easily extract items or materials from the cargo bed,in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a chassis and drivetrain of the vehicle shownin FIG. 1, in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a top view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1having a roof structure shown in phantom so that the passengercompartment and the auxiliary storage compartment can be more clearlyshown, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1, having an accessdoor of the auxiliary storage compartment swung down to an Openposition, in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of a top view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1,wherein the auxiliary storage compartment includes at least one stowagewell and/or at least one access panel, in accordance with variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a top view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1,wherein the auxiliary storage compartment includes at least oneaccessory cargo box, in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic of a top view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1,wherein the auxiliary storage compartment includes one or more storagepockets and/or storage boxes, in accordance with various embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic of a top view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1,wherein the auxiliary storage compartment includes one or more dividerpartitions, in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11 is a schematic of a top view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1,wherein the auxiliary storage compartment includes a hood, in accordancewith various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a schematic of a top view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1,wherein the auxiliary storage compartment includes a floor mat, inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a schematic of a top view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1,wherein the auxiliary storage compartment includes a cargo net, inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a schematic of a top view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1,wherein the auxiliary storage compartment includes a portion of one ormore fastening system disposed along a top edge of one or more walls ofthe auxiliary storage compartment, in accordance with variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is an isometric rear view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1,wherein various vehicle accessories are mounted to various portions of arollover protection system of the vehicle, in accordance with variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no wayintended to limit the present teachings, application, or uses.Throughout this specification, like reference numerals will be used torefer to like elements.

The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the followingdetailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and describedso that others skilled in the art can utilize their teachings.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and isnot intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well,unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,”“comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and thereforespecify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps,processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed asnecessarily requiring their performance in the particular orderdiscussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order ofperformance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternativesteps can be employed.

If an element, component, device, object, etc., is referred to as being“on,” “engaged to or with,” “connected to or with,” or “coupled to orwith” another element, component, device, object, etc., it can bedirectly on, engaged, connected or coupled to or with the other element,device, object, etc., or intervening elements, devices, objects, etc.,can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being“directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or“directly coupled to” another element, device object, etc., there may beno intervening elements, devices, objects, etc., present. Other wordsused to describe the relationship between elements should be interpretedin a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent”versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or”includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associatedlisted items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, devices, objects,sections, etc., these elements, components, regions, devices, objects,sections, etc., should not be limited by these terms. These terms may beused only to distinguish one element, component, region, device, object,section, etc., from another region, device, object, section etc., and donot necessarily imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated bythe context.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, in various embodiments, the presentdisclosure provides a vehicle 10 that includes a passenger compartment12, an autonomous, independent auxiliary storage compartment 14, and acargo bed 18. The autonomous, independent auxiliary storage compartment14, and the various features thereof (as described herein) is structuredand operable for stowing personal gear, hand tools and other items thatthe vehicle operator may find undesirable to stow in a cargo bed 18 ofthe vehicle 10. For example, the auxiliary storage compartment 14 can beused to stow such things as backpacks, duffle bags, sleeping bags,smaller and/or more fragile camping equipment, rifles, handguns, bows,hand tools, etc.

In contrast, the cargo bed 18, as are most known utility vehicle cargobeds, is designed and used for hauling various payloads such as gravel,rock, soil, debris, garbage, wood, etc., and/or larger tools andequipment such as shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, lawn mowers, chain saws,other motorized equipment, etc. In various implementations, the cargobed 18 can be a fixed or stationary bed, wherein the cargo bed 18 isfixedly connected to a chassis 22 and/or other frame structure of thevehicle 10, while in other implementations the cargo bed 18 can be alift or dump bed, wherein the vehicle 10 includes a lift mechanism (notshown) that is operable to lift a front portion of the cargo bed 18(i.e., the portion of the cargo bed 18 nearest the auxiliary storagecompartment 14), as shown in FIG. 3, in order to dump or easily extractitems or materials from the cargo bed 18.

The vehicle 10 can be any lightweight vehicle that is not designated foruse on roadways. For example, the vehicle 10 can be a utility vehicle, amaintenance vehicle, a cargo vehicle, a shuttle vehicle, a golf cart, anall-terrain vehicle, a utility terrain vehicle, a utility task vehicle,a recreational off highway vehicle, a worksite vehicle, a buggy, or anyother lightweight vehicle. In various embodiments, the vehicle 10 can bestructured to have a single seat, while in various other embodiments thevehicle 10 can have a side-by-side seating configuration, such as can beprovided by a bench seat capable of seating two or more passengers or bytwo or more laterally (with regard to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle10) spaced independent seats positioned in a side-by-side arrangement.

Generally, the vehicle 10 further includes one or more front wheels 26operationally connected to the chassis 22, one or more rear wheels 30operationally connected to the chassis 22, a drivetrain 34 operationallyconnected to at least one of the front and/or rear wheels 22 and/or 30,and at least one prime mover. The prime mover can be one of, or both of,an internal combustion engine (ICE) 38 and an electric motor 42. Invarious implementations wherein the vehicle 10 includes the ICE 38, thevehicle 10 additionally includes a transmission 46 operably connected tothe ICE 38 and structured and operable to receive torque (e.g., motiveforce) generated by the ICE 34, a drive shaft 50 operatively connectedto the transmission 46 and structured and operable to receive torquetransferred from the ICE 38, and a first differential 54 operativelyconnected to the drive shaft 50 and structured and operable todistribute torque received from drive shaft 50 to at least one of therear wheels 30, via a rear axle 58 (axle 58 can be either a split axlefor an independent suspension system, or a one-piece axle). Although theICE 38 is shown by way of example in FIG. 4 as providing torque to atleast one of the rear wheels 30, it is envisioned that the ICE 38 canadditionally or alternatively be operationally connected, via thetransmission 46, the drive shaft 50 and the first differential 54, todeliver torque to at least one of the front wheels 26.

In various implementations wherein the vehicle 10 includes the electricmotor 42, the vehicle 10 additionally includes a second differential 62operatively connected to the electric motor 42 and structured andoperable to receive torque (e.g., motive force) generated by theelectric motor 42 and to distribute the torque to at least one of thefront wheels 26, via a front axle 66 (axle 66 can be either a split axlefor an independent suspension system, or a one-piece axle). Although theelectric motor 42 is shown by way of example in FIG. 4 as providingtorque to at least one of the front wheels 26, it is envisioned that theelectric motor can additionally or alternatively be operationallyconnected, via the second differential 54, to deliver torque to at leastone of the rear wheels 30. It is further envisioned that in yet otherembodiments, the vehicle 10 can be configured as a 4-wheel drivevehicle, wherein at least one of the ICE 38 and/or the electric motor 42is/are operatively connected to the first differential 54, and at leastone of the ICE 38 and/or the electric motor 42 is/are operativelyconnected to the second differential 62 such that the ICE 38 and/or theelectric motor 42 deliver torque to at least one front wheel 26 and atleast one rear wheel 30. In such 4-wheel drive embodiments, the vehicle10 can include an additional drive shaft 70 structured and operable toconnect the ICE 38 and/or the electric motor 42 to the respective otherfirst or second differential 54 or 62.

As used herein, based on the particular configuration of the prime moverof the vehicle 10, that is, based on whether the vehicle 10 includesjust the ICE 38, just the electric motor 42, both the ICE 38 and theelectric motor 42, and whether the vehicle 10 is configured as a 2-wheeldrive vehicle or a 4-drive vehicle, the drivetrain 34 can comprise anyor all of, individually or in any combination, the transmission 46, thedrive shaft 50, the first differential 54, the rear axle 58, the seconddifferential 62, front axle 66, and the additional drive shaft 70.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5, the passenger compartment 12generally includes: a dash console 74 that can include such things anOn/Off key switch, a forward/neutral/reverse selector, one or more smallaccessory storage pockets, a speedometer, various other gauges and/orinstrumentation, a radio, and/or various other vehicle controls; asteering wheel 78 for use by the vehicle operator to control thedirectional movement of the vehicle 10; a brake pedal 82 for use by thevehicle operator to control slowing and stopping of the vehicle 10; anaccelerator pedal 86 for use by the vehicle operator to control thetorque delivered by the prime mover(s) to one or more of the frontand/or rear wheels 26 and/or 30; a floorboard 88; and a passengerseating structure 90 for supporting one or more passengers of thevehicle 10 (e.g., a driver and one or more non-drivers). The seatingstructure 90 can be any suitable seating structure, for example, a benchstyle seat or one or more side-by-side seats. The seating structure 90comprises at least one seat bottom 90A and at least one seat back 90B.Each seat back 90B includes a front face (or side) that faces the frontof the vehicle 10, against which the vehicle passenger(s) lean(s) whenseated on the respective seat bottom 90A, and an opposing rear face (orside) that faces the rear of the vehicle 10. In various implementations,the one or more seat back rear faces can collectively form, define orprovide what is referred to herein as the back side 90C of the seatingstructure 90. As described further below, in various embodiments, theseat back(s) 90B of the seating structure 90 define(s), provide(s) orform(s) a front wall 14A of the auxiliary storage compartment 14. Invarious embodiments, the passenger compartment 12 can further include apair of opposing side doors 94 structured and operable to Open and Closeto controllably allow and prevent ingress and egress of passengers toand from the passenger compartment 14.

In various embodiments, the vehicle 10 further includes a roll overprotection system (ROPS) 98 that is disposed above and around thepassenger compartment 12 and is structured and operable to protectpassengers within the passenger compartment 12 in a situation where thevehicle 10 may be caused to overturn, flip or roll over. The ROPS 98comprises a plurality of tubes, bars or beams that are connected to thechassis 22 and extend above, over and around the passenger compartment12. The ROPS 98 can be constructed or fabricated of any material havingsufficient strength and rigidity to provide protection to the passengersof the vehicle 10 should the vehicle 10 be upset and turned on its side,flipped or rolled over, e.g., high strength steel, aluminum, titanium,carbon fiber, etc.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1, 5 and 15, the ROPS 98 generallyincludes one or more front uprights 98A extending upward from the frontof the passenger compartment 12, e.g., beside or forward of the dashconsole 74, one or more rear uprights 98B extending upward from the rearof the passenger compartment 12 (or front of the auxiliary storagecompartment 14), e.g., beside or immediately behind the seat back(s)90B, and at least one or more overhead supports 98C that extend betweenand connect to the respective front and back uprights 98A and 98B. Arespective one front uprights 98A, one rear upright 98B, and oneoverhead support 98C are connected, joined or integrally formed toprovide a single ROPS truss, generally indicated in FIG. 15 as 98D. Invarious implementations, a respective one front upright 98A, rearupright 98B, and overhead support 98C can be individual structures thatare joined or connected (e.g., welded, bolted, etc., together) to form arespective truss 98D of ROPS 98. Additionally or alternatively, invarious implementations, a respective one front upright 98A, rearupright 98B, and overhead support 98C can be integrally formed (e.g.,extruded, cast etc.) to form a respective truss 98D of ROPS 98. Two ormore ROPS trusses 98D can be connected or joined via one or morecrossbar 98E to form a passenger compartment cage of the ROPS 98 thatsurrounds (e.g., extends above, over and around) and protects thepassenger compartment 12, generally indicated in FIG. 15 as 98F. Invarious embodiments, the trusses 98D can be joined or connected via thecrossbar(s) 98E (e.g., welded, bolted, etc., together) to form thepassenger compartment cage 98F. Additionally or alternatively, invarious implementations, the trusses 98D can be integrally formed withthe crossbar(s) 98E (e.g., extruded, cast, etc.) to form a respectivepassenger compartment cage 98E. In various implementations, at least aportion of a roof structure 102 (described below) can be connected ormounted to the overhead supports(s) 98C, and/or crossbar(s) 98E, and/oruprights 98A and 98B.

In various embodiments, in addition to the passenger compartment cage98F, the ROPS 98 can include an auxiliary storage compartment cage,generally indicated in FIG. 15 as 98G, that can be connected to, orintegrally formed with, the passenger compartment cage 98F. In variousimplementations, the auxiliary storage compartment cage 98G comprisesone or more auxiliary uprights 98H extending upward from the rear of theauxiliary storage compartment 14, e.g., immediately in front of,immediately behind, or adjacent the ends of a back wall 14B of theauxiliary storage compartment 14 (described below), and one or moreconnecting supports 98I that extend between the auxiliary upright(s) 98Hand the passenger compartment cage 98F. The connecting support(s) 98Ican be connected to the rear upright(s) 98B and/or the overheadsupport(s) 98C. In various implementations, a respective one auxiliaryupright 98H and connecting support 98I can be individual structures thatare joined or connected (e.g., welded, bolted, etc.) together, to form arespective auxiliary arm 98J of ROPS 98. Additionally or alternatively,in various implementations, a respective one auxiliary upright 98H andconnecting support 98I can be integrally formed (e.g., extruded, cast,etc.) to form a respective auxiliary arm 98J of ROPS 98. Two or moreROPS auxiliary arms 98J can be connected or joined via one or morecrossbar 98E to form the auxiliary storage compartment cage 98G of theROPS 98 that surrounds (e.g., extends above, over and around) andprotects the auxiliary storage compartment 12.

The auxiliary storage compartment cage 98G is structured and operable toextend the ROPS 98 above, over and around the auxiliary storagecompartment 14. As described above, the auxiliary storage compartmentcage 98G can be connected to (e.g., welded, bolted, etc.) or integrallyformed with (e.g., extruded, cast, etc.) with the passenger compartmentcage 98F to provide the extended ROPS 98. As described above, in variousembodiments, the vehicle 10 includes the roof structure 102 that can bemounted to the ROPS 98 to protect the passenger compartment 12,particularly passengers within the passenger compartment 12, fromenvironmental elements such as sun, rain, sleet, snow, etc. Moreover, invarious embodiments, the roof structure 102 can be sized and shaped tobe mounted to the extended ROPS 98 (the extending ROPS 98 comprising thecombination of the passenger compartment cage 98F and auxiliary storagecompartment cage 98G) such that the roof structure 102 is disposed overthe passenger compartment 12 and the auxiliary storage compartment 14.Therefore, in addition to the passenger compartment 12, the auxiliarystorage compartment 14, particularly, items within the auxiliary storagecompartment 14, are covered and protected from environmental elements bythe roof structure 102. In such embodiments, the roof structure 102 canbe connected or mounted to the overhead supports(s) 98C, and/orcrossbar(s) 98E and/or uprights 98A, 98B and 98H, and/or connectingsupport(s) 98I.

It will be appreciated, however, that in alternative embodiments, theroof structure 102 may be sized and shaped such that the roof structure102 may be disposed only over the passenger compartment 12 (or portionthereof) or only over the auxiliary storage compartment 14 (or portionthereof). In some embodiments, the roof structure 102 may comprise aplurality of modular pieces that may be selectably mounted to the ROPS98 to cover a desired portion(s) of the passenger compartment 12 and/orauxiliary storage compartment 14. For example, in some such embodiments,a first modular piece of the roof structure 102 may be selectablymounted to the ROPS 98 to cover the passenger compartment 12 and asecond modular piece of the roof structure 102 may be selectably mountedto the ROPS 98 to cover the auxiliary storage compartment 14.

As best illustrated in FIG. 5, as described above, the cargo bed 18 ismounted to the chassis 22 and is structured and operable to hold variouspayloads such as gravel, rock, soil, debris, garbage, wood, etc., and/orlarger tools and equipment such as shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, lawnmowers, chain saws, other motorized equipment, etc. By contrast, theauxiliary storage compartment 14 is structured and operable to stow suchthings as backpacks, duffle bags, sleeping bags, smaller and/or morefragile camping equipment, rifles, handguns, bows, hand tools, etc. Asalso described above, the auxiliary storage compartment 14 is autonomousand independent structure. More specifically, the auxiliary storagecompartment 14, is independent, separate and distinct from the cargo bed18. As described above, the auxiliary storage compartment 14 comprisesthe front wall 14A provided by the seat back(s) 90B and defined by theback side 90C of the passenger seating structure 90. It is envisionedthat in various embodiments, the front wall 14A can be an intermediatepanel, partition or other structure that is independent, separate anddistinct from seat back(s) 90B. In such embodiments, the independent,separate and distinct panel, partition or other structure providing thefront wall 14A can be disposed laterally between the sidewalls 14Cimmediately behind the seat back(s) 90B such that it is adjacent to theback side 90C of the seat back(s) 90B. It is envisioned that such anintermediate panel, partition or other structure can be in contact withand/or mounted to the back side 90C, or can be spaced apart from theback side 90C such that there is a gap therebetween. The auxiliarystorage compartment 14 additionally comprises a back wall 14B that isdisposed laterally between the sidewalls 14C in front of a front panel18A of the cargo bed 18. More specifically, the auxiliary storagecompartment back wall 14B is independent, separate and distinct from thecargo bed front panel 18A, and is disposed longitudinally (with regardto a longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10) in front of the cargo bedfront panel 18A. The auxiliary storage compartment 14 further comprisesa pair of opposing sidewalls 14C that connect the front and back walls19A and 19B, and a floor 14D disposed between the front wall, back walland sidewalls 14A, 14B and 14C.

The auxiliary storage compartment 14 can have any desired dimensions andinterior volume. By way of non-limiting example, in various embodiments,the auxiliary storage compartment can have a width W substantially equalto a width of the passenger compartment 90 (e.g., approximately 5 feet),a length or depth D of approximately 12, 14, 16, 18 or more inches, anda height H of 12, 14, 16, 18 or more inches (FIG. 6). It will beappreciated, however, that the depth D and the height H of the auxiliarystorage compartment 14 can be selected to provide any desired amount ofspace within the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, in variousembodiments, the cargo bed 18 is a fixed dimension, ‘full-size’ bed.That is, a length X of the cargo bed 18 is fixed (e.g., approximately 5feet long), a width Y is fixed (e.g. approximately 5 feet wide), and adepth Z is fixed (e.g., approximately 18 inches deep) (FIG. 3). Invarious embodiments, the cargo bed is structured to hold 600-1000 poundsof cargo. Furthermore, in various embodiments, in order to accommodatethe cargo bed 18 and the autonomous, independent auxiliary compartment14, the chassis 22 of the vehicle 10 is fabricated, formed or structuredto have an extended length, relative to vehicles that do not include anautonomous, independent auxiliary compartment, such as the autonomousand independent auxiliary compartment 14 described herein. Additionally,in various embodiments, the auxiliary storage compartment is structuredto hold 300 pounds or more of personal gear, hand tools and/or otheritems that the vehicle operator may find undesirable to stow in a cargobed 18.

In various embodiments, the cargo bed comprises the front panel 18A thatis independent, separate and distinct from the auxiliary storagecompartment rear wall 14B, a rear panel 18B a pair of opposing sidepanels 18C that connect at least one of the front and rear panels 18Aand 18B, and a deck 18D. In various embodiments, the rear panel 18B canbe a tailgate structured and operable to Open and Close to provideaccess to the cargo area defined by the front panel 18A, side panels18C, rear panel/tailgate 18B and deck 18D. It is envisioned that invarious embodiments, the auxiliary storage compartment 14 and cargo bed18 can share a common wall. That is, in various embodiments, theauxiliary storage compartment back wall 14B can also be, define andfunction as the front panel 18A of the cargo bed. Or, alternatively, invarious embodiments, the cargo bed front panel 18A can also be, defineand function as the back wall 14B of the auxiliary storage 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6, in various embodiments, at least one ofthe auxiliary storage compartment sidewalls 14C comprises an access door106 that is movable between a Closed position (shown in FIG. 1), whereinthe closed access door 106 defines the respective sidewall 14C, and anOpen position (shown in FIG. 6), wherein access to the auxiliary storagecompartment 14 is provided via the open access door 106. In variousimplementations, each access door 106 can be hingedly connected at abottom edge of the respective access door 106 to the floor 14D of theauxiliary storage compartment 14 or any other suitable vehicle structureof vehicle 10 adjacent the floor 14D. Accordingly, when moved from theClosed position to the Open position, the access door 106 pivots aboutthe bottom edge such that a top edge of the access door 106 swings awayfrom the auxiliary storage compartment 14 and downward, as illustratedby way of example in FIG. 6. Additionally or alternatively, in variousother embodiments, each access door can be hingedly connected along aside edge of the respective access door 106 to either the front wall 14Aor the back wall 14B or any other suitable vehicle structure adjacentthe front or back wall 14A or 14B. Accordingly, when moved from theClosed position to the Open position, the access door 106 pivots aboutthe respective hingedly connected side edge such that the opposing sideedge swings away from the auxiliary storage compartment and toward thefront or the rear of the vehicle 10.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in various embodiments, the auxiliary storagecompartment 14 can include at least one stowage well 110 disposed withinthe floor 14D. Each stowage well 110 can have any desired shape, sizeand volume, and is structured and operable to stow at least one operatorarticle such as one or more rifle (e.g., the butt of one or more riflecan be disposed within the stowage well 110), one or more handgun, oneor more hand tool, one or more toolbox (e.g., a toolbox sized and shapedto have exterior dimension substantially the same as interior dimensionsof the respective stowage well 110 such that the toolbox can be disposedwithin stowage well 110), etc.

Additionally, in various embodiments, the auxiliary storage compartment14 can include at least one access panel 114 disposed within a matinglysized opening in the floor 14D (not shown). At least one access panel114 forms a portion of the floor 14D to thereby provide usable floorsurface area. Each access panel 114 is structured and operable to beopened or removed to allow access, via the respective opening, to atleast one component, device, system, assembly, etc., (e.g., oil filter,oil level indicator, oil fill port, air filter, fuel filter, batterypower outlet and/or recharge port, pneumatic or hydraulic bed liftmotor, etc.) of the vehicle 10 that is disposed beneath or under theauxiliary storage compartment floor 14D. In various embodiments, one ormore access panel 114 can be hingedly connected to the floor 14D suchthat the access panel(s) 114 can be pivoted about the hinged connectionto be moved between a Closed and Open position. Additionally oralternatively, in various embodiments, one or more access panel 114 canbe removably disposed within the opening in the floor 14 such that theaccess panel(s) 114 can be removed to access the component, device,system, assembly, etc., disposed beneath or under the auxiliary storagecompartment floor 14D, and redisposed within the opening in the floor 14to replace the access panel(s) 114. In various implementations, theaccess panel(s) 114 can be structured and operable to provide asubstantially water-tight seal when closed such that water, moisture,condensation, etc., will not drip or flow into the area beneath therespective access panel(s) 114.

In various other implementations, one or more stowage well 110 canadditionally include an access panel 114 covering the respective stowagewell 11. Accordingly, operator article(s) can be stowed within thestowage well(s) 110 and then concealed by the respective access panel114. Additionally, as described above, one or more access panel 114forms a portion of the floor 14D to thereby provide additional usablefloor surface area. Also, as described above, in variousimplementations, the access panel(s) 114 can be structured and operableto provide a substantially water-tight seal when closed such that water,moisture, condensation, etc., will not drip or flow into the respectivestowage well 110 and the contents therein will always remain dry. Insuch embodiments, the stowage well 110 can have any shape, size andinterior volume. More specifically, any particular stowage well 110 canhave interior dimensions that are larger than the respective accesspanel 114 and corresponding opening. It is envisioned that, in variousembodiments, a stowage well can be sized and shaped to have a suitablevehicle jack, e.g., a high lift off-road style jack, disposed therein.

Also, it is envisioned that in various embodiments, any stowage well110, whether including an access panel 114, or not, can be constructedto be thermally insulating such that heat from any vehicle componentsdisposed beneath the auxiliary storage compartment 14 will not heat,affect, or damage any items stowed in the respective stowage well 114.Furthermore, it is envisioned that in various embodiments, any stowagewell 114 can be constructed to be thermally insulating so as to providea ‘built in’ cooler usable to keep items, e.g., beverages and food,cold. Still further, in various embodiments, any stowage well 110 caninclude one or more drainage holes 142 structured and operable to allowany water, moisture, condensation, etc., that may enter or form withinthe respective stowage well 110 to drain out and not collect and/orpuddle within the respective stowage well 110. In such embodiments, adrain tube (not shown) can be connected to one or more drain hole 142 todirect and/or carry drainage to a vehicle exterior location, away fromcomponents of the vehicle 10.

Similarly, in various embodiments, the floor 14D can include one or moredrainage hole 142 structured and operable to allow any water, moisture,condensation, etc., that may enter or form within the auxiliary storagecompartment 14 to drain out and not collect and/or puddle therein. Insuch embodiments, a drain tube (not shown) can be connected to one ormore drain hole 142 to direct and/or carry drainage to a vehicleexterior location, away from components of the vehicle 10.

Referring now to FIG. 8, in various embodiments, the auxiliary storagecompartment 14 can include at least one accessory cargo box 118 that isremovably retainable within or connectable to at least one of theauxiliary storage compartment floor 14D, front wall 14A,sidewalls/access doors 14C/106 and/or back wall 14B. Each accessorycargo box 118 is structured and operable to retain one or more operatoraccessory such as hand tool(s), camping utensil(s), small campingequipment, handgun(s), rifle and/or handgun ammunition, etc.

In various implementations, the accessory cargo box(es) 118 can beconnectable to at least one of the floor 14D, front wall 14A,sidewalls/access doors 14C/106 and/or back wall 14B via one or morelatching system 122 fixed/mounted/connected to the respective floor 14D,front wall 14A, sidewall/access door 14C/106 and/or back wall 14B. Moreparticularly, in such implementations, each latching system 122 includesa first connector fixed/mounted/connected to, or integrally formedwithin, the respective floor 14D, front wall 14A, sidewall/access door14C/106 and/or back wall 14B and at least one second connectorfixed/mounted/connected to the respective accessory cargo box 118,wherein the first and second connectors are engageable with, orconnectable to, each other.

Each latching system 122 can be any suitable latching, fastening orconnecting system, device or component. For example, in variousembodiments, one or more latching system can comprise: 1) a tab or cargobox fixture having a first elongated, or winged, hole therethrough, oneor more corresponding second elongated, or winged, holes in therespective floor 14D, front wall 14A, sidewall/access door 14C/106and/or back wall 14B, and a spring loaded T-shaped key or pin that canbe inserted through the aligned first and second holes and turned, e.g.,¼ to ¾ turn, to engage the T-shaped key or pin with a back side of therespective second hole and a top side of the respective first hole; 2) atab with a hole fixed to the respective accessory cargo box 118, a boltinsertable through the hole and threadable into a treaded receiver fixedto the respective floor 14D, front wall 14A, sidewall/access door14C/106 and/or back wall 14B; 3) a rotatable or pivotable latch mountedto the respective floor 14D, front wall 14A, sidewall/access door14C/106 and/or back wall 14B and a latch receiver fixed to therespective accessory cargo box 118; 4) a clevis mounted to therespective floor 14D, front wall 14A, sidewall/access door 14C/106and/or back wall 14B, a tab with an aperture fixed to the respectiveaccessory cargo box 118 and a clevis pin insertable through the clevisand apertured tab; 5) a pair of hooks, rings, or cleats mounted to therespective floor 14D, front wall 14A, sidewall/access door 14C/106and/or back wall 14B, and an elastic strap, bungee cord, metal strap orcord disposable around the respective accessory cargo box 118 andconnectable at opposing end to the hooks, rings, or cleats; 6) or anyother suitable latching system or fixture.

It is envisioned that the cargo box(es) 118 can have any size and shape,for example, the cargo box(es) 118 can be sized and shaped to fit withone or more recessed docking well 126 (as described above); sized andshaped to ‘form fit’ within any area of the auxiliary storagecompartment 14 and attached to the respective floor 14D, front wall 14A,sidewall/access door 14C/106 and/or back wall 14B, via one or morelatching system 122 (as described above); sized and shaped to extendacross substantially the entire width W and/or depth D and attached tothe respective floor 14D, front wall 14A, sidewall/access door 14C/106and/or back wall 14B, via one or more latching system 122 (as describedabove); etc.

Additionally or alternatively, in various implementations, the accessorycargo box(es) 11 can be retainable within a recess formed in theauxiliary storage compartment 14. More particularly, in suchimplementations, the auxiliary storage compartment 14 comprises one ormore recessed docking wells 126 formed within the floor 14D. In variousimplementations, each recessed docking well 126 can be sized and shapedto have interior dimensions that approximately match the size and shape(e.g., the exterior dimensions) of the bottom of the respectiveaccessory cargo box 118, and to have depth sufficient to retain therespective accessory cargo box 118 without the accessory cargo box 118becoming easily dislodged due to motion of the vehicle 10. Accordingly,the respective accessory cargo box(es) 118 can be inserted into therespective docking well 126, such that the cargo box(es) 118 nest(s)within the respective docking well(s) 126, much like a cup into a cupholder, to substantially secure the cargo box 118 within the auxiliarystorage compartment 14. Conversely, the respective cargo box(es) 118 canbe easily lifted out of the docking well(s) 126 and removed from theauxiliary storage compartment 14.

In various other embodiments, the docking well(s) 126 can be sized andshaped to receive and retain other suitable accessories such as acooler, a gas can, a water jug/bottle/cooler, an auxiliary battery, anair compressor, etc. Additionally or alternatively, in variousembodiments, similarly to the cargo box(es) 118, other accessories suchas a cooler, a gas can, a water jug/bottle/cooler, an auxiliary battery,an air compressor, etc. can be secured within the auxiliary storagecompartment 14 using one or more latching system 122, as describedabove.

Referring now to FIG. 9, in various embodiments, at least one of thefront wall 14A, sidewalls/access doors 14C/106 and/or back wall 14B canincluded one or more open storage pockets 130 and/or closable storageboxes 134 and/or storage racks 138 integrally formed therewith ormounted thereto. The storage pocket(s) 130 and storage box(es) 134 arestructured and operable to hold and retain suitably sized operatoraccessories such as a first aid kit, a foldable shovel, a tape measure,a carpenter's level, a hammer, an axe, other hand tools, a rifle, ahandgun, folded rain gear, a safety kit, an adventure kit etc. Thestorage pocket(s) 130 can be fabricated of a molded material, such asplastic, fiberglass, polycarbonate, etc., to have a preformed shape, orthe storage pocket(s) 130 can be fabricated of a flexible material suchas canvas or other durable flexible material. Moreover, the storagebox(es) 134 each include a lid to cover and protect whatever is placedinside. In various embodiments, the storage box lid(s) can be structuredand operable to provide a substantially water-tight seal when closedsuch that the contents will always remain dry.

Additionally, the storage pockets 130 can be sized and shaped to besubstantially the same size and shape as a particular tool, box, oraccessory such that the respective tool, box or accessory can be nestedwithin the respective storage pocket 130, as described above with regardto the cargo box(es) 118 and docking well(s) 126. It is envisioned that,in various implementations, the open storage pocket(s) 130 and/orclosable storage box(es) 134 and/or storage rack(s) 138 can not only beused for storage, but also as fastening points for rope and/or elasticstrap tie downs. It is further envisioned that, in various embodiments,the open storage pocket(s) 130 and/or closable storage box(es) 134and/or storage rack(s) 138 can include one or more latching system(s)122 (as described above) disposed on the interior and/or exterior of therespective open storage pocket(s) 130 and/or closable storage box(es)134 and/or storage rack(s) 138. Furthermore, in various embodiments, theopen storage pocket(s) 130 and/or closable storage box(es) 134 caninclude one or more drainage hole 142 structured and operable to allowany water, moisture, condensation, etc., that may enter or form withinthe respective the storage pocket(s) 130 and/or storage box(es) 134 todrain out and not collect and/or puddle within the respective thestorage pocket(s) 130 and/or storage box(es) 134. In such embodiments, adrain tube (not shown) can be connected to one or more drain hole 142 todirect and/or carry drainage to a vehicle exterior location, away fromcomponents of the vehicle 10.

Referring now to FIG. 10, in various embodiments, the auxiliary storagecompartment 14 can comprise one or more divider partitions 146 that arestructured and operable to subdivide the auxiliary storage compartment14 into smaller storage bins. In various implementations, the dividerpartitions 146 can be integrally formed with the front wall 14A,sidewalls/access doors 14C/106, back wall 14B and/or floor 14D.Additionally or alternatively, in various implementations, the dividerpartitions 146 can be removeably disposable within channels (not shown)formed within the front wall 14A, sidewalls/access doors 14C/106, backwall 14B and/or floor 14D, and/or channels (not shown) formed within oneor more of the divider partitions 146. Therefore, the divider partitions146 can be configured to form storage bins of various sizes and shapes.It is envisioned that each divider partition 146 can independently haveany desired height, such that each divider partition 146 canindependently have a height that is shorter than, substantially equalto, or taller than the height H of the auxiliary storage compartment 14(FIG. 6). Accordingly, in various configurations, one or more dividerpartition 146 can have a height that is greater than, substantiallyequal to, or less than adjacent and/or connected divider partitions 146.Furthermore, the auxiliary storage compartment 14 can include, orinclude partition channels such that the auxiliary storage compartment14 can be configured to include, any number of divider partitions 146configured in any desired pattern.

Referring now to FIG. 11, in various embodiments, the auxiliary storagecompartment 14 can include a hood 150, e.g., a cover, top or lid, thatis structured and operable to cover and protect the interior space ofthe auxiliary storage compartment 14 and contents thereof. In thevarious embodiments, wherein the vehicle 10 includes the ROPS 98, asdescribed herein, the hood 150 is disposed below the connecting supports98I of the auxiliary storage compartment cage 98G. Additionally, thevarious embodiments wherein the vehicle 10 includes a roof structure 102mounted to the ROPS 98, as described herein, the hood 105 isindependent, separate and distinct from the roof structure 102. The hood150 can be a single-piece structure or a multi-section structure. Thehood 150 can be removably disposable over the auxiliary storagecompartment 14, or hingedly connected to any one or more of the frontwall 14A, sidewalls/access doors 14C/106, and/or back wall 14B such thatthe hood 150, or various sections thereof, can be removed and replaced,or raised and lowered between an Open position and Closed position. Invarious embodiments, the hood 150 can be structured and operable toprovide a substantially water-tight seal when closed such that theinterior space and the contents therein will remain dry. Additionally,in various embodiments, the hood 150 can include one or more lock 154structured and operable to selectably lock the hood 150 in the Closedposition.

In various embodiments, the hood 150 can be fabricated of asubstantially hard, substantially rigid material such as metal,fiberglass, plastic, polycarbonate, or any other composite material.Additionally, or alternative, in various embodiments, the hood 150 canbe fabricated of a flexible material such as canvas, vinyl, flexibleplastic, etc. In such embodiments, the flexible hood 150 can include azipper, buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop connector (e.g., Velcro®), orother suitable connector disposed along a periphery of the hood 150,whereby the hood 150 can be held in the Closed position. Additionally,in such embodiments, the flexible hood 150 can comprise a tonneau coverthat includes a biased retracting roller mounted to one of the frontwall 14A, sidewalls/access doors 14C/106, and/or back wall 14B, and theflexible material is connect such that the flexible material can beretracted onto the biased roller (in the Open position) and extendedtherefrom (in the Closed position) in the same manner as a roller shade.

Referring now to FIG. 12, in various embodiments, the auxiliary storagecompartment 14 can include a floor mat 158 disposed over all or anyportion of the floor 14D to protect the floor 14D. The floor mat 158 canbe fabricated of any desired material. For example, in variousembodiments, the floor mat 158 can be fabricated of a flexiblerubber-like material that provides a non-slip surface operable to resistthe sliding of items disposed within the auxiliary storage compartment14 from easily sliding across the floor 14D. Or, in various embodiments,the floor mat 158 can be fabricated of harder, more rigid material,e.g., plastic, polycarbonate, fiberglass, etc., that allows items to beeasily slid/moved across the floor mat 158, within the auxiliary storagecompartment 14. In various implementations, the floor mat 158 can coverany stowage wells 110 and/or access panels 114 that are included in theauxiliary storage compartment 14, such that the floor mat 158 needs tobe rolled back or lifted to access such stowage wells 110 and/or accesspanels 114. Additionally or alternatively, in various embodiments, thefloor mat 158 can include cut-outs that allow ready access to anystowage wells 110 and/or access panels 114 that are included in theauxiliary storage compartment 14.

In yet other embodiments, the auxiliary storage compartment 14 caninclude a liner 162 disposed over all or any portion of the floor 14D,and one or more of the front wall 14A, sidewalls/access doors 14C/106,and/or back wall 14B to protect the floor 14D and/or one or more of thefront wall 14A, sidewalls/access doors 14C/106, and/or back wall 14B.Similarly to the floor mat 158 described above, the liner 162 can befabricated of any desired material. For example, in various embodiments,the liner 162 can be fabricated of a flexible rubber-like material thatprovides a non-slip surface operable to resist the sliding of itemsdisposed within the auxiliary storage compartment 14 from easily slidingacross the floor 14D. Or, in various embodiments, the liner 162 can befabricated of harder, more rigid material, e.g., plastic, polycarbonate,fiberglass, etc., that allows items to be easily slid/moved across theliner 162, within the auxiliary storage compartment 14. In suchembodiments, the liner 162 can include cut-outs that allow ready accessto any stowage wells 110 and/or access panels 114, and/or storagepockets 130 and/or storage boxes 134 that are included in the auxiliarystorage compartment 14.

Referring now to FIG. 13, in various embodiments, the auxiliary storagecompartment 14 can include a cargo net 166 disposed over all or anyportion of the interior space of the auxiliary storage compartment 14for holding items disposed within the auxiliary storage compartment 14steady and preventing such items from moving around within the auxiliarystorage compartment 14. In various embodiments, the cargo net 166comprises interwoven or interconnected elastic cords such that the cargonet 166 has elastic properties and can be stretched across the auxiliarystorage compartment 14 and any items disposed therein. The cargo net 166can be removably connectable to net mounts 168 attached to the floor14D, and/or the front wall 14A, and/or the sidewalls/access doors14C/106, and/or the back wall 14B. The mounts 168 can be attached to thefloor 14D, and/or the front wall 14A, and/or the sidewalls/access doors14C/106, and/or the back wall 14B various locations of, such that thecargo net can be disposed substantially flush to the floor, across a topedge of the four walls 14A/14B/14C/106, or at any height H (FIG. 6)within the auxiliary storage compartment 14. The mounts can comprise,buttons, hooks, cleats, snaps, or any other device suitable forremovably connecting the cargo net 166 to the floor 14D, and/or thefront wall 14A, and/or the sidewalls/access doors 14C/106, and/or theback wall 14B.

Referring now to FIG. 14, in various embodiments, the top edge of one ormore of the front wall 14A, sidewalls/access doors 14C/106 and/or backwall 14B can comprise one or more first portions 170 of a latchingsystem (e.g., latching system 122, described above) for attachingvarious vehicle accessories to the respective top edge. In variousembodiments, each latching system first portion 170 can be integrallyformed within the respective top edge, while in various otherembodiments, C-channel or square/rectangular tubing, having the latchingsystem first portion(s) 170 integrally formed therein, can be attachedto the respective top edge. Second portions (not shown) of the latchingsystem are integrally formed with, or attached to, the respectivevehicle accessory such that the accessory, e.g., a utility rack, a toolrack, a gun rack, a bow and arrow rack, a helmet hook/rack/pedestal, abag/luggage rack/hook, a water/fluid pump, a small air compressor, andsmall generator, a wall extension panel, etc., can be mounted to the topedge of the respective wall 14A/14B/14C/106.

Similarly to latching system 122, described above, the latching systemfirst portion 170 can comprise a first portion of any latching,fastening or connecting system suitable for connecting to the respectivewall top edge an accessory comprising the corresponding second portion,wherein the first and second portions are engageable with, orconnectable to, each other. For example, in various embodiments, eachfirst portion 170 can comprise a portion of a quick-connect system,wherein the first portion 170 comprises an elongated, or winged, holeformed in the respective wall top edge, or formed in the channel ortubing attached to the respective wall top edge. In such embodiments,the quick-connect latching system second portion can comprise a featureor fixture of the respective accessory having a corresponding elongated,or winged, hole formed therein. The corresponding elongated, or winged,holes can be aligned, whereafter a spring loaded T-shaped key or pin ofthe quick-connect latching system can be inserted through the alignedfirst and second holes and turned, e.g., ¼ to ¾ turn, to engage theT-shaped key or pin with a back side of first portion hole and a topside of the second portion hole, thereby attaching the respectiveaccessory to the respective wall top edge. As another example, invarious other embodiments, each first portion 170 can comprise athreaded hole formed in the respective wall top edge, or formed in thechannel or tubing attached to the respective wall top edge. In suchembodiments, the latching system second portion can comprise a featureor fixture of the respective accessory having a hole formed therein. Athreaded bolt can be inserted through the second portion hole andtreaded into the first portion threaded hole to thereby attach therespective accessory to the respective wall top edge. As still anotherexample, in other embodiments, each first portion 170 can comprise arotatable or pivotable latch mounted to the wall top edge, wherein thefirst portion/latch 170 is interlockingly engageable with a latchreceiver fixed to a fixture or feature of the respective accessory tothereby attach the respective accessory to the respective wall top edge.

Although the C-channel or square/rectangular tubing, having the latchingsystem first portion(s) 170 integrally formed therein, has beendescribed above as being attached to the top edge of one or more of thewalls 14A/14B/14C/106, it is envisioned that, in various embodiments,the C-channel or square/rectangular tubing, having the latching systemfirst portion(s) 170 integrally formed therein, can be attached to anyportion of one or more of walls 14A/14B/14C/106 and/or the floor 14D,and/or any portion of the ROPS 98 (shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 6), e.g.,the extended portion of the ROPS 98. Accordingly, vehicle accessoriescan be mounted to any portion of the auxiliary storage compartmentand/or the ROPS 98, via the C-channel or square/rectangular tubing,having the latching system first portion(s) 170 integrally formedtherein.

Referring now to FIG. 15, in various embodiments, one or more vehicleaccessory (identified in FIG. 15 by reference number 174) e.g., autility rack, a tool rack, a gun rack, a bow and arrow rack, a helmethook/rack/pedestal, a bag/luggage rack/hook, a cargo net, a shelf, etc.,can be mounted direct to the ROPS 98 above the auxiliary storagecompartment 14. For example, the space above the auxiliary storagecompartment 14, and between the ROPS rear and auxiliary uprights 98B and98E can utilized. For example, in various embodiments, one or morevehicle accessory 174 can be mounted to one or more ROPS rear upright98B, and/or one or more ROPS auxiliary upright 98H, and/or one or morecrossbar 98E utilizing the space above the auxiliary storage compartment14. For example, in addition to the non-limiting examples of accessories174 illustrated in FIG. 15 and described herein, and among many otherpossible accessories 174, it is envisioned that at least one vehicleaccessory 174 can comprise a cargo net or shelf that can be disposed inthe space above the auxiliary storage compartment 14 and mounted orconnected to and between the rear uprights 98B and the auxiliaryuprights 98H of the ROPS 98. The vehicle accessory(ies) 174 can bemounted to any portion of the ROPS 98 utilizing any suitable fasteningsystem, method or device, e.g., welding, gluing, rivets, screws, bolts,etc.

Additionally, in order to provide the passenger compartment 12 and/orthe auxiliary storage compartment 14 additional protection fromenvironmental elements such as sun, rain, sleet, snow, etc., the vehicle10 can include one or more ROPS enclosure panel. The enclosure panel(s)can be fixedly and/or removably connected to any portion of the ROPS 98utilizing any suitable fastening system, method or device, e.g.,welding, gluing, rivets, screws, bolts, snaps, hinges, hook and loopconnectors (e.g., Velcro®), etc. Examples of such enclosure panels caninclude: 1) roll up/down/side-to-side, or swing open/closed passengercompartment doors (with or without one or more transparent inserts orwindows); and/or 2) a roll up/down/side-to-side, or swing open/closedwindshield (with one or more transparent inserts or windows); and/or 3)roll up/down/side-to-side or swing up/down, or swing open/closedauxiliary storage compartment side panels and or rear panel (with orwithout one or more transparent inserts or windows); and/or 4) any othersuitable fixed or removable passenger compartment 12 and/or auxiliarystorage compartment 14 enclosure panel. It is envisioned that eachrespective enclosure panel can be fabricated of a solid, hard materialsuch as metal, molded plastic or fiberglass, etc., and/or a softflexible material such as canvas, vinyl, plastic, etc.

In various other embodiments, one or more of the auxiliary storagecompartment 14 front wall 14A, back wall 14B, sidewalls/access doors14C/106, and/or floor 14D can comprise various vehicle electronicsystems and devices. For example, it is envisioned that the one or moreof the front wall 14A, back wall 14B, sidewalls/access doors 14C/106,and/or floor 14D can comprise one or more stereo speakers mounted withinor to the respective wall. Similarly, it is envisioned that one or moreof the front wall 14A, back wall 14B, sidewalls/access doors 14C/106,and/or floor 14D can comprise one or more AC and/or DC power ports oroutlets structured and operable to provide electric power (e.g., currentand voltage) to personal electronics, such as cell phones, tablets,laptops and other electronic devices, that are connectable thereto.

The description herein is merely exemplary in nature and, thus,variations that do not depart from the gist of that which is describedare intended to be within the scope of the teachings. Moreover, althoughthe foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exampleembodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elementsand/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinationsof elements and/or functions can be provided by additional oralternative embodiments without departing from the scope of thedisclosure. Such variations and alternative combinations of elementsand/or functions are not to be regarded as a departure from the spiritand scope of the teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. An auxiliary storage compartment for a vehicle,said auxiliary storage compartment comprising: a floor; a back wall thatextends upward from the floor; a front wall that extends upward fromfloor opposite the back wall, the front wall defined by a back side of aseating structure of a vehicle in which the auxiliary storagecompartment is disposed; a pair of opposing sidewalls disposed atopposing ends of the front wall and the back wall; and a top coverstructured and operable to cover and protect an interior stowage spaceof the auxiliary storage compartment defined by the floor, back wall,front wall and opposing sidewalls.
 2. The auxiliary storage compartmentof claim 1, wherein the top cover is one of: a single-piece structure;and a multi-section structure.
 3. The auxiliary storage compartment ofclaim 1, wherein the top cover is one of: hingedly connecting to any oneor more of the back wall, front wall and opposing sidewalls; andremovably disposable over the back wall, front wall and opposingsidewalls.
 4. The auxiliary storage compartment of claim 1, wherein thetop cover is structured and operable to provide a substantiallywater-tight seal when in a Closed position such that the interiorstowage space will remain dry.
 5. The auxiliary storage compartment ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the front wall, opposing sidewalls andback wall include at least one of: one or more open storage pockets atleast one of integrally formed therewith or mounted thereto; closablestorage boxes at least one of integrally formed therewith or mountedthereto; and storage racks at least one of integrally formed therewithor mounted thereto.
 6. The auxiliary storage compartment of claim 1,wherein a top edge of one or more of the front wall, opposing sidewallsand back wall comprises at least one latching system structured andoperable for attaching various vehicle accessories to the respective topedge.
 7. The auxiliary storage compartment of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the opposing sidewalls define an access door movable between anOpen position and a Closed position to provide access to the interiorstowage space.
 8. An auxiliary storage compartment for a vehicle, saidauxiliary storage compartment comprising: a floor; a back wall thatextends upward from the floor; a front wall that extends upward from thefloor opposite the back wall; a pair of opposing sidewalls disposed atopposing ends of the front wall and the back wall, and an access topopening defined by a top edge of the back wall, a top edge of the frontwall and a top edge of each sidewall, wherein the back wall, front walland sidewalls define an interior stowage space of the auxiliary storagecompartment that is accessible from an exterior of the vehicle via theaccess top opening, and a top cover structured and operable to cover andprotect the interior stowage space of the auxiliary storage compartment.9. The auxiliary storage compartment of claim 8, wherein the top coveris one of: a single-piece structure; and a multi-section structure. 10.The auxiliary storage compartment of claim 8, wherein the top cover isone of: hingedly connecting to any one or more of the back wall, frontwall and opposing sidewalls; and removably disposable over the backwall, front wall and opposing sidewalls.
 11. The auxiliary storagecompartment of claim 8, wherein the top cover is structured and operableto provide a substantially water-tight seal when in a Closed positionsuch that the interior stowage space will remain dry.
 12. The auxiliarystorage compartment of claim 8, wherein at least one of the front wall,opposing sidewalls and back wall include at least one of: one or moreopen storage pockets at least one of integrally formed therewith ormounted thereto; closable storage boxes at least one of integrallyformed therewith or mounted thereto; and storage racks at least one ofintegrally formed therewith or mounted thereto.
 13. The auxiliarystorage compartment of claim 8, wherein a top edge of one or more of thefront wall, opposing sidewalls and back wall comprises at least onelatching system structured and operable for attaching various vehicleaccessories to the respective top edge.
 14. The auxiliary storagecompartment of claim 8, wherein at least one of the opposing sidewallsdefine an access door movable between an Open position and a Closedposition to provide access to the interior stowage space.
 15. A vehicle,said vehicle comprising: a chassis; a plurality of wheels operationallyconnected to the chassis; a drivetrain operatively connected to at leastone of the wheels; at least one prime mover mounted to the chassis andoperatively connected to the drivetrain and structured and operable toprovide motive force, via the drivetrain, to the at least one wheeloperatively connected to the drivetrain; a passenger compartmentsupported by the chassis, the passenger compartment comprising: a dashconsole; a floorboard; and a passenger seating structure that includesat least one seat bottom and at least one seat back; and an auxiliarystorage compartment for a vehicle, said auxiliary storage compartmentcomprising: a floor; a back wall that extends upward from the floor; afront wall that extends upward from floor opposite the back wall, thefront wall defined by a back side of a seating structure of a vehicle inwhich the auxiliary storage compartment is disposed; a pair of opposingsidewalls disposed at opposing ends of the front wall and the back wall;and a top cover is structured and operable to cover and protect aninterior stowage space of the auxiliary storage compartment defined bythe floor, back wall, front wall and opposing sidewalls.
 16. The vehicleof claim 15, wherein: the top cover is one of: a single-piece structure;and a multi-section structure; and the top cover is at least one of:hingedly connecting to any one or more of the back wall, front wall andopposing sidewalls; and removably disposable over the back wall, frontwall and opposing sidewalls.
 17. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein thetop cover is structured and operable to provide a substantiallywater-tight seal when in a Closed position such that the interiorstowage space will remain dry.
 18. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein atleast one of the front wall, opposing sidewalls and back wall include atleast one of: one or more open storage pockets at least one ofintegrally formed therewith or mounted thereto; closable storage boxesat least one of integrally formed therewith or mounted thereto; andstorage racks at least one of integrally formed therewith or mountedthereto.
 19. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein a top edge of one or moreof the front wall, opposing sidewalls and back wall comprises at leastone latching system structured and operable for attaching variousvehicle accessories to the respective top edge.
 20. The vehicle of claim15, wherein at least one of the opposing sidewalls define an access doormovable between an Open position and a Closed position to provide accessto the interior stowage space.